"The Games were both inspiring and emotional"

Meet Scruffy Samuel he has quite the amazing story. Scruffy serves as a mascot and travels the world to help promote organ donation. Scruffy represents his donor family who gave the ultimate gift, the gift of life. And he recently traveled all the way to South Africa with Robin Lataille, who is part of "Team Northeast Athletes" to cheer her on in her second World Transplant Games. On Friday I had the opportunity to interview Robin and have a heart to heart conversation with her about her journey from "dialysis to the Games". Robin connected with the Northeast Kidney Foundation and joined Team Northeast Athletes in late 2011. She was looking for a new team to join to attend the 2012 U.S. Transplant Games in Grand Rapids, MI. As that year, there was no team being put together for from her state. She remarked how welcoming and friendly everyone from Northeast Kidney was when she joined their team. They were really excited to get a team member from the New England area.

"It was both inspiring and emotional at the same time, seeing all the donor families; knowing we are there to honor the memory of their loved ones." That was the first impression Robin gave me of being at the World Transplant Games.

**Robin and Team USA with Scruffy Samuel cheering them on**

I also asked Robin a series of questions:

Q. How long where you on dialysis?  8 years total, with 71/2 on Peritoneal dialysis and 6 mos. on hemodialysis. 

Q. Where did your transplant come from? Was it a living or deceased donor? Deceased donor.

Q. Does your transplant restrict any activities while completing? No restrictions at all. 

Q. Have you had any complications since your transplant? None at all, its been wonderful and has completely changed my life. 

Q. How many games have you participated in? In 2 Worlds Games and 2 U.S./State games.

Q. What's your favorite sport to compete in? Swimming, I have been a swimmer my entire life.

Q. How did it feel to represent the USA at the World games? It was an honor, one that I hope to continue as time goes on. 

Q. How did it feel to stand on the podium when you won? It was amazing to win just for doing something I love. And each win is a testament to the person that gave me this chance~ my donor! 

Q. How many medals did you bring home? This time, only one, but its really not about the medals to me, its about proving that organ donation is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Q. Do you think you will compete again? I plan on competing for as long as I can, Next year I'll be in Houston, TX. 

And my final question was:

Q Other then being in the games what was your most interesting adventure in South Africa?

We went on a mini safari and saw over 30 different animals. The country was breathtaking. The best thing about South Africa was how inviting and warm the people where. They just loved having us there, from the staff at the games to the hotel, they made us feel so welcomed. 

I hope you have enjoyed this wrap up and personal perspective of the World Transplant Games. Each and every kidney patient has their own unique journey and I'm honored Robin would share hers with us. From "dialysis to the Games' is such an inspirational story and I want to thank Robin again for the interview.  Its only 328 days to the Transplant Games of America and we wish Robin the best of luck competing in those games. For more information on the 2014 U.S. Transplant Games please visit  http://www.transplantgamesofamerica.org/ And the 20th World Transplant Games will in be 2015 in Argentina and you can find more information on them at http://www.wtgf.org/

Thank you for joining me once again on this journey, I look forward to your questions, comments or concerns.

Keep on fighting Kidney Warriors!

~Kidney Blogger